A leading opposition figure in Malaysia has resorted to firing deprecatory epithets at the administration led by Anwar Ibrahim. The reality is that that the Malay portmanteau “jadong” could apply to politicians of all stripes.
Category Archives: Commentaries
COP28: Enhanced Food Security in Southeast Asia?
In line with their climate change plans, Southeast Asian countries need to mitigate carbon emissions in their agrifood systems.
Unemployment, Poverty and Corruption: Young Indonesian Voters’ Top Economic Concerns
Indonesian Millennials and Gen-Z would like their next president to create jobs, eradicate poverty and combat corruption. While personality dominates the Indonesian election, policy platforms will impact the country’s future – and may tilt the election outcome.
Najib Razak’s Partial Pardon: Cui Bono?
The controversial halving of Najib Razak’s 12-year sentence appears to be a boon to multiple stakeholders.
Will Vietnam Turn to Russia or America for Its New Jet Fighter?
Vietnam needs to upgrade its ageing fighter fleet. But it faces a list of less than optimal options.
Move Forward Stands at the Brink of Dissolution
Political tensions in Thailand have escalated following a court ruling that could potentially lead to the dissolution of the Move Forward Party over charges stemming from its campaign to amend the country’s lèse majesté law.
Will Better-Informed Indonesian Youth Vote for Dynastic Politicians?
Political dynasties are prevalent in Indonesia and many new democracies, with regressive effects, but recent research finds that Indonesian university students are averse to political dynasties. Critical and well-informed youth can be agents of change in strengthening democracy.
Marcos’s Visit to Vietnam: When Manila’s Pivot Meets Hanoi’s Pragmatism
Vietnam and the Philippines have agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation in the South China Sea. Digging deeper, however, the two countries are taking distinct approaches in countering the Chinese coercion in the maritime area.
Indonesian Voters’ Preferences in 2024: Less Determined, More Diverse
A December 2023 ISEAS-Premise survey on Indonesian voters’ reasons for liking and disliking the presidential candidates sheds more light on what voters want to see in their next president. Strength, intelligence and independence, not cuteness, are the keys to their ballot.
What is Laos’ Game Plan for the Myanmar crisis?
Whether it was Laos’ effort in persuading the SAC to send a representative or the junta changing their minds, Laos should continue to harness a family effort to get the junta to adhere to the grouping’s Five Point Consensus.